Saints prepared to back their boss despite troubles

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins will remain in-charge of the Saints for the time being, according to the Daily Express.

Adkins has been under pressure from the Southampton board after a poor start to his first season in the Premier League which sees the division’s new boys prop up the table.

Despite guiding the club to consecutive promotions, Adkins has been constantly rumoured to be in danger of losing his job and reports have intensified this week suggesting executive chairman Nicola Cortese is set to relieve Adkins of his duties.

The 47-year-old is said have held talks with the Italian on Tuesday and it is understood he will be in-charge for the home game this weekend against Swansea.

Southampton have conceded the highest number of goals in the league this season, averaging at about three goals a game and have lost eight of their first 10 matches.

“I don’t think anybody needs to give anyone a vote of confidence because if you do, then we all turn around and say, ‘he’s got the dreaded vote of confidence’,” Adkins said.

“We need to win and I believe we can do it. I’m very proud and privileged to be the Southampton manager. I’ll stand out and lead from the front as I’ve always done. I’m very positive. I know I’m a better manager today than when I joined Southampton. I know I’ve improved a lot.

“But someone is always going to be the favourite [to be sacked], and if you’re bottom of the league, well, you should be the favourite probably. I’m not going to hide away from that. But what a great challenge we face.”